Beckett's Back Still Bothersome Despite Negative MRI

Reported By Stephen Rhodes

The good news for the Boston Red Sox is that ace Josh Beckett's MRI indicate that a disc problem is not the culprit of his current back problem. But Beckett intends not to throw again until the issue is resolved; he told ESPN.com, "We're going to make sure it's completely pain-free. I can't even, really, if lying in one position too long, or sitting in one position too long or standing in one position too long, it kind of goes backwards. I've got to keep moving and stuff like that."

Beckett left Saturday's game against the Florida Marlins without facing a batter when he was bothered by back spasms while throwing his warmup pitches; he stated that his condition, as opposed to improving on Monday, had actually gotten worse. As previously mentioned, an MRI was taken on Beckett's back - which turned out negative - but Red Sox manager Terry Francona has said that he is undecided as to whether Beckett will accompany the team to Japan for a season-opening series against the Oakland A's March 25 and 26.